Collapsible bed



L. F. SCHILLING.

COLLAPSIBLE BED. APPLICATION FILED APR. 19'. 1918.-

Patented J une 13, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

airman L. F. SCHILLING.

COLLAPSIBLE BED. APPLICATION FILED APR-19' 1918- 7 1,419,765. Patented June 13, 1922 4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

L. F. SCHILLINGi COLLAPSIBLE BED.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 19. 1918.

Patented June 13, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3- L. F. SCHILLING.

COLLAPSIBLE BED.

APPLICATION F-ILED APR-19' 1918. Patented June 13, 1922.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

is res LOUIS r. 'scHILLING, or sALEM, onro;

GOLLAPSIBLE BED.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented J line 13, 1922.

Application filed April 19, 1918. Serial No. 229,591.

To all whom it may concern.

-Be it known that I, LoUIs F. SOHILLING, a citizen of the United States, residing at Salem, in the county of Columbiana and State of Ohio, have invented new and useful Improvements in Collapsible Beds, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an improvement in collapsible beds of the general type disclosed in my pending application, Serial No. 76AM). Such a bed while having many features which render it generally usefuland advantageous as an element of a touring orv camping equipment, is more particularly intended for providing satisfactory sleeping accommodations for the automobilist during a tour, and its collapsible structure is especially adapted for combination with an auto-. mobile as a part of the touring equipment.

The present bed structure serves all the objects and advantages to which the invention disclosed in my said pending application is directed; and the improvements which constitute the features of the present invention have for their special objects, as compared with the structure shown in my pending application, to provide a collapsible bed structure of the type stated which shall have greater strength, which may be manufactured with greater facility and at less cost, which may be set up and dismantled with greater ease, and which, when set up, shall have greater stability.

lVith the above objects in view the invention consists in certain features of structure, combination and relation which will be set forth in detail as the description proceeds.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a plan view of a collapsible bed in which the features of the invention are incorporated.- c 7 Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof.

Figure 3 is an elevation of the bed frame with its parts collapsed and disposed on the running board of an automobile.

Figure 4 is a plan View of the bed frame as disposed in Figure 3.

Figure'5 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

F igure 6 is a similar view but showing the side bar sections and their leg appurtenances in folded relation,

Figure 7 is a detail cross section on the line 7-7 of Figure 2. V v

Figure 8 is a detail cross section on the line 88 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a detail perspective view of the removable end bar of the bed frame.

igures 10' and 11 are detail sectional views on the respective lines 1010 and 1111 of Figure 9.

Figure12 is a detail perspective view of a plate which functions as an end bar and which is mounted on the running board of the automobile.

Figure 13 is a detail perspective View showing the bracing devices.

Similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The bed is shown as associated with the running board a of an automobile, and its frame consists of two side bars 1 and an end bar 2. Each side bar 1 consists of two sections 1 and 1 pivotally connected whereby the outer section l may be swung in a vertical plane into extended and alined or folded and parallel relation to the inner section 1 The end bar 2 connects the sections 1 lVhen the bed isset up, the end bar 2 is parallel to the running board a and said end bar and running board conjointly sup port the bed spring fabric 3, which is suspended-by aoseries of transverse extension springs 4 in the same way that a bed spring fabric is ordinarily suspended between the end bars of a bed frame of usual construction.

The bed spring fabric 3 in consideration of the adaptability of the bed to the needs of automobilists on tour, should be of a construction whereby it may be folded or rolled into exceedingly small compass. It is preferably of the construction shown in my co-pending application for patent upon bed spring fabrics, Serial No. 68,533, which is the best construction of which I am aware forthe purpose in view, in that it may be rolledinto the form of a tube whose diameter is substantially less than the width of the running board. I

While, in the construction of the bed,

as above described, the running board a could be utilized as an end bar of the bed frame, and in any event, in its function of supporting the inner end of the bed frame and the bed spring fabric, discharges the function of an ordinary bed frame end bar, it is preferred, in order that the structure may be of unitary character, to secure the side bar sections 1 and inner end of the bed spring fabric to a plate 22 which is co-extensive with and parallel to the end bar 2 and is imposed on the running board a to which it is fastened by bolts or equivalent devices. By virtue of the provision of the plate 22 the entire bed structure may be removed or replaced as a unit relatively to the running board a, Thusthe entirebed structure may be rolled within the bed spring fabric 3, when it is desired, as for the adaptation of the car to ordinary city use, to remove the bed from the running board and to place it in stationary storage. To permit of the storage of the bed along the running board, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the side bar sections 1 are so connected at their inner ends that they may be swung into parallel relation and in such relation be supported on the running board. These connections comprise each a clip 9 having a base 9 which is connected by a swivel pin 10 to the plate 22 and havingupright ears 9 to which the adjacent end of the corresponding side bar section. 1 is connected by means of a horizontal pivot pin 1. The pivot pins 1 enable the side bars 1 to have a certain measure of vertical play whereby the elevation of the bed may beadapted to the surface ofthe ground which is engaged by the supporting legs 5. The endv portions of the plate 22 whereat the swivel pins- 10 are located, are slightly raised, as at 23, above the body of said plate in order,'when the side bars 1 are in folded relation above said plate, to provide clearances between said s ide bars and said plate for the accommodation of the elements of the cross brace to be hereafter described.

Important features of the present improvements are concerned with the form and relation of the side bar sections and the form, and relation to said sections, of the supporting legs and the leg braces with the objects of promoting facility and economy in manufacture, greater intrinsic strength of the parts and stronger and more stable support. As shown and preferred each side bar section 1 has a U-shaped or channelled cross section, its upper edges being preferably'be'a'ded for reinforcing purposes; and the section 1*, thus formed, is: utilized as the support for the companion section 1". The exterior cross sectional outline of the section 1 conforms substantially to the interior cross sectional outline of the section .1 in order that the section 1", when folded, may

the springs 4 at the have nested relation to the section 1. As preferred the section 1 is of rectangular cross sect-'on and tubular form, its wall which is lowermost when said section is ex tended being preferably of double thickness as by forming its laminae as flanges which project inwardly from the side walls of said section and are welded together in overlapping relation.

The pivotal connection between the sections l 'and 1 is shown at 1 and is located at a sensible distance in the rear of the free end of the section 1 That portion of the base of the section 1 between the pivot 1" and the free end of said section is utilized as a direct support for the section 1? which, as shown in Figure 5, has a relatively long and flat bearing on said base. By thus using the section 1 the support for the section 1 it is unnecessary to brace the section 1 to the leg 5. Further advantages are secured inth'at "the length of the section 1 is increasedand the levering of said section into extended relation against the tension of the springs i is facilitated and in that the section 1*, when extended, is positivelyand accurately alined with the section 1, its alinement not being effected by lateral or torsional stresses consequent to the use of the bed.

When the bed is set up, it is sup-ported at a fixed and sanitary elevation above the ground at one end thereof by the running board or its equivalent which, as stated, functionally constitutes the end bar of the bed frame, and at or near its other end by the legs 5 which are pivotally secured to the side bar sections 1 adjacent the free ends thereof. The legs 5 have their cross section selected whereby, when folded, they may have a nested relation to the side bar sections 1; and as shown and preferred, said legs are of a U-shaped or channelled cross. section and are formed, when folded, to fit over the sections 1. In order to brace the legs 5 and the sections 1 to one another and to securely hold said legs in accurate right angular relation to said sections, a diagonal brace 6 is employed which is preferably of the construction shown. The said brace consists of two parts 6 and 6 pivotally connected to one another at 6. The part 6 has a U-shaped or channelled cross section and is externally pivoted at 6 to the side bar section 1 over which it fits when the. bed frame is folded The part 6 has a similar cross section and is internally pivoted at 6 to the leg 5. When the bed frame is folded the part 6 nests within the leg 5 and the part 6 nests within the part 6 The part 6* is internally pivoted to the part 6 whose base is continued, at 6 beyondthe pivot 6 to provide an abutment against which the side walls of the part 6 engage when the brace is fully extended to prevent further ing the pivots 6F? and 6 whereby the bracewill be self-locking in the extended relation of its parts and any normal influences tending to move the brace parts inward will be effectually resisted. In order to accommodate the heads of the pivot pins 6 when the legs and braces are folded, the side walls: of the legs 5 are preferably provided with dished portions 5 which afford recesses for said heads. I

The nesting fit of the parts described is somewhat close, whereby, when said parts are folded and nested, sufiicient frictional contact will be developed between the adjoining walls to insure against the accidental displacement of the parts from their nested relation.

The legs 5 and the side bar sections, when extended, are preferably braced to one another, the means employed being similar to that shown in my pending application and consisting of a rigid brace bar 11 provided with pivoted supplemental brace members 12. The brace bar 11 extends between the legs 5 and is preferably made in sections 11*, each of which is pivoted to one of the brace members 12 and is provided with headed terminal projections 11*. The projections 11 engage in slots 13 formed longitudinally in the base or front wall of the legs 5. The brace members 12 are ,pivoted to the base or front wall of the legs 5 at fixed points above the slots 18. The brace sections 11 at their inner ends are each provided with pins 11 for engagement' through an opening 11 in the other; and the overlying portions of the sections 11 are held in connected or engaged relation by clips 11 which have a U-shaped cross section and are pivoted to the respective parts 11*. Upon said clips being swung back the overlying portions of the parts 11 may be disengaged in connection with the collapse of'the bed, whereby each section 11 and the member 12, connected thereto, may be folded under the leg 5 and under the adjacent side bar section 1?, suitable clearances for the cross brace parts being provided between the sections 1 and the plate 22 by-virtue of the raised portions 23 at the ends of said plate. As a precautionary measure against accidental displacement of the ends of the brace bar 11 in the slots 13, the legs 5 may be provided with suitable dogs ll which, when the bed is set up, may be engaged over said brace bar to positively hold the same against upward play.

The features of the improvements are also concerned with the construction of the end bar'2 and its relation to the side bar sections 1". As in the construction shown in my said pending application, Serial No. 76,409, in collapsing the bed and storing it on the running board, the end bar 2 is disconnected from the side bars 1. Ac-, cording to the presentinvention and in the interest of strength, facility of manipulation, and accuracy and security of alinement, the end bar 2 has at its ends pockets 2" which are open-at the front of said end bar and whose opening conforms in outline to the cross sectional outline of the sections 1 In connection with the extension of the bed the sections 1 when in raised position relatively to the sections 1, as shown in Figure 2, are fitted to the end bar 2 by engaging theirends in the pockets 2*. Then, using the end bar as a grip, the sections 1 are levered into their fully extended positions, their movement being limited by their engagement with the bases of the sections l by which, as above explained, the sections 1 are supported. With equal facility the end bar 2, in connection with the collapse of the bed, may be dis engaged from the sections 1 after said sections, conveniently by using said end bars as a grip, have been raised to the approximate position shown in Figure 2.

With the objects of facilitating -manufacture and increasing its durability the end bar 2 is of novel and improved form. Thus said end bar has a rectangular cross section and a tubular form; and at the meeting edges of its front wall it is provided with forwardly directed flanges which are preferably welded together and afford a strong extension 2 for the connection of the adjacent springs 4, the extension 2 being pierced with openings through which the terminal hooks of said springs are engaged. When the bed is collapsed the side bar section 1 is nested within the section 1 and the latter is nested within the leg 5 which also completely encloses the nested brace parts 6 and 6 the innermost brace part 6 fitting over the section l and the cross brace parts 11? and 12 are folded under the leg 5 and the side bar section 1 With the parts thus disposed the side bars 1 are folded in-parallel relation to one another upon the running board.

In order to set up the bed, the said side bars 1 are turned to project outwardly at right angles from the running board a and the brace parts 11 are extended laterally I they are. thereafter-levered into their fully extended positions wherein, without the employment of other means or additional bracing elements, they are strongly and securely supported by the side bar secmay be folded under the side bar and in nested relation thereto, and a brace connects mg the slde bar and leg and consisting of two parts pivoted to one another and to the,

side bar andv leg respectively, said brace parts having channelled cross sections conforming to the cross sections of the side bar and leg and, when folded, being nested one in the other and being disposed between said side bar and leg in nested relation thereto.

2. A collapsible bed having a side bar provided with a pivotally mounted supporting leg, said side bar. and leg having conforming channelled cross sections whereby the leg may be. folded under the side bar and in nested relation thereto, and a brace connecting the side bar and leg and consisting of two parts pivoted to one another and to the side bar and leg respectively, said brace parts having channelled cross sections 'conforming to the cross sections ofthe side bar and leg and, when folded, being nested one in the other and being disposed between said side bar and leg in nested relation thereto, said brace parts, when extended, having their channelled cross sections arranged in reverse relation to one another and moving into conforming relation to one another and said leg and side bar when the leg is folded.

3. A collapsible bed having its side bars made in two sections, the first of which has a channelled cross section and the second of which has a cross section conforming to the cross section of said first section and is pivoted within the channel of said first section at a point distant from its free end, said second section thereby, when folded, nesting in the upper side of the first one and when extended, projecting for a portion of its length beyond said first section and for-the remainder of its length nesting in the up per side thereof and being supported there by, a supporting leg pivoted to the free end of the first section and having a cross section which conforms to the cross section of said first section, said leg being there by foldable under said first section in nested relation with its under side, and a brace connecting the first section and said leg and consisting of two parts pivoted to one another and to the first section and leg respectively, said brace parts having; channelled cross sections conforming to the cross sections of said first section andsaid leg and, when folded, being nested one in the other and being disposed between said first section and said leg in nested relation to the under A may be extended to project at a right angle.

to said supporting plate in parallel relation to one another or may be disposed to rest on said supporting plate in parallel relation to one another, said plate having.

raised end portions to which said side. bars are pivoted and which afford clearances and said side bars having legs and leg appurtenances which, when the side bars are folded to rest on said plate, are accommodated in said clearances. v

5. A collapsible bed having an endsupport, side bars adapted to project at a right angle from said support and each including an inner section'and an outer section pivoted to said inner section for movement in a vertical plane, said outer sections having a rectangular cross section and an end bar of tubular form and rectangular cross section having its inner Wall formed at its ends with openings conforming tothe cross-section of said outer sections and affording end pockets wherein the ends of said outer sections may be conformably engaged.

6. A collapsible bed having an. end. support, side bars adapted to project at aright angle from said support and each including an inner section and an outer section pivoted to said inner section for movement in a vertical plane and a tubular end bar having its inner wall formed at its ends with openings conforming to the cross section of said outer sections and affording end pockets wherein the ends of said outer sections may be conformably engaged,

7. A collapsible bed having an end support, side bars adapted to project at a right angle from said support, an end bar connecting the outer ends of said side bars and being detachable therefrom, a bed spring fabric, and extension springs connectingsaid fabric to said end bar and said support, said end bar being of tubular form and having its inner wall formed to provide an inwardly projecting flange formed with openings through which the terminals of the adjacent extension springs are engaged.

8. A collapsible bed having its side portions each made in two sections, and the extremity of one section being pivotally .connected to the other section at a point distant from an adjacent end thereof,-the firstmentioned section beingadapted to swing vertically either into folded relation with the upper side of the other section or into an extended relation therewith, the extended section being then supported on that portion of the other section which is located between the pivot which connects the sections and said adjacent end, a supporting leg movably connected to said adjacent end of the respective side bar section, and a brace be tween the latter mentioned side bar section and the leg, the leg and the members of the brace having channel shaped cross sections and nesting when the leg is folded with one another and with the under side of the side bar section to which the leg is connected.

9. A collapsible bed having its side bars each made in two sections, a supporting leg pivotally connected to the free end of the first section and a collapsible brace extending between and pivotally connected to said leg and said first section, said brace being operative when extended to lock the leg in its fully extended operative position and adapted when folded to nest with said leg and with the under side of said first section, the second section of each side bar being pivoted to the respective first section at a point removed from said free end to which said leg is pivoted and adapted to swing vertically into extended and folded relations with the upper side of said first section, said sec- 0nd section when extended projecting beyond the first section and being supported by that portion of the first section which is located between its said free end and the pivot of said second section.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LOUIS F. SCHILLING. lVitnesses R. C. KRIDLER, N om GREENAULDT. 

